Apple is rolling out a new set of child-safety tools aimed at helping parents manage how young users interact with apps and online content, as policymakers across several countries move to impose stricter limits on children’s access to social media platforms.
The new features, unveiled during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), will be introduced through software updates later this year and are designed to provide parents with more oversight over their children’s digital activity on iPhones and iPads.
Under the expanded controls, parents will be able to decide which apps their children can access, set restrictions on website viewing and manage communication permissions. The tools build on Apple’s existing child account framework, which is mandatory for users under 13 and available for teenagers up to the age of 18.
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The announcement comes as concerns around children’s online safety continue to intensify globally. Governments and regulators are increasingly examining the role of social media platforms in exposing younger users to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content and excessive screen time.
Apple said the updates are intended to help families create age-appropriate digital experiences and encourage healthier technology habits. The company is positioning the new controls as a way for parents to tailor device usage according to their children’s age and maturity levels.
The rollout coincides with a broader regulatory shift toward tighter oversight of youth access to online platforms. Several countries have either introduced or are considering measures that restrict social media use by minors. Australia last year became the first democratic nation to mandate that major social media platforms prevent users under the age of 16 from accessing their services. Similar debates are underway in parts of Europe, the United Kingdom, Indonesia and India.
The growing policy focus has also been fuelled by legal challenges and public discussions surrounding the potential impact of social media on children’s mental health. Recent court rulings and lawsuits involving technology companies have amplified scrutiny of how digital platforms engage younger audiences.
According to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook recently discussed the company’s latest safety initiatives with him, noting that ongoing research into children’s online experiences and evolving regulatory developments have informed Apple’s approach. (Inputs from Bloomberg report)
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